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May 3, 2024
This week, Science Friday is in Ames, Iowa, home to prairies, greater prairie chickens, and an array of wildlife. Plus, the co-emergence of two periodical cicada broods is underway. Scientists have tips for how to experience the event. And, as the “Universe of Art” podcast turns one, listeners discuss solar music boxes and what it’s like making art with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
17:14
New Products Collect Data From Your Brain. Where Does It Go?
An array of new products monitors users’ brain waves using caps or headbands. That neural data has few privacy protections.
11:53
Bonobos Are Gentler Than Chimps? Maybe Not.
A study found aggression between male bonobos to be more frequent than aggression between male chimpanzees.
5:12
Art Meets Ecology In A Mile-Long Poem
Visual artist Todd Gilens created a walkable poem along Reno’s Truckee River that draws parallels between urbanism and stream ecology.
16:33
The 4,000-Year History Of Humans And Silk
For her new book, Aarathi Prasad spent years researching the past and future of silk—and even grew her own silkworms.
12:12
Progress Toward A Clean Energy Transition
Global temperature increases are slowing, electric vehicle sales are growing, and renewable energy is now cheaper than some fossil fuels.
12:12
Why Is Solving The Plastic Problem So Hard?
Plastics are everywhere, in packaging, clothing, and even our bodies. Could they be made less integral to manufacturing and more recyclable?
11:22
Why Avian Flu In Cattle And Humans Has Scientists Concerned
In a recent outbreak of avian flu, the virus has jumped from birds to cows, and to one dairy worker. A disease ecologist provides context.
6:11
Fighting Banana Blight In A North Carolina Greenhouse
America’s most-consumed fruit is at risk from a fungal disease. Researchers in North Carolina are on a mission to save Cavendish bananas.
12:12
Do Birds Sing In Their Dreams?
Birds move their vocal organs while they sleep, mimicking how they sing. Scientists have translated those movements into synthetic birdsong.
8:37
Assessing The Global Mental Health Toll Of Climate Change
An explosion of research is painting a clearer picture of how climate change is affecting mental health across the globe.